My world rules often evolve as the story evolves with a particular goal: either to resolve a conflict or to create one.

In fantasy, I do sometimes base spirituality or rules of magic on historical spiritual beliefs, mythology, that sort of thing. I draw on familiar races like witches, dragons, druids, etc. and tweak the definitions of these beings to my own liking, but I rarely create something brand-new that would be difficult for a reader (or me!) to visualize.

In my sci-fi worlds, I do a lot of research and/or draw on existing knowledge and take reality tiny steps forward so the technology and situations in my worlds are believable.

Cheers,
Michelle